The Olympics have officially recognised cheerleading as a sport

Time to get your pom poms out and scrub up on your cheering skills because the International Olympic Committee’s executive board have officially voted in cheerleading as a sport.

However, you’ll probably have a long time to practice as there are still lengths to go before we see it at the 2020 Tokyo Games. The recent recognition by the IOC means the International Cheer Union will receive financial support (at least $25,000 each year) for three years and in that time, IOC executives can petition to have the sport included in the Games.

Sports are often added to the roster each Games, just as rugby and golf were introduced this year. Skateboarding and surfing have been added to the 2020 Games to appeal to a younger audience, and with cheerleading on the cards, that’s going to be another big drawcard.